Topic Info - BotMed Application

TopicName

Acute GI (rectal) bleeding

ClinicalTests

CBC (anemia, dehydration);
Fecal occult blood (blood in stool);
AST/ALT/bilirubin/Alk Phos;
PTT/INR;
CEA;

ImagingStudies

Colonoscopy with biopsy;

PhysicalExams

Vitals – hypotensive, fever;
Abdominal exam – tenderness on palpation (LLQ), guarding, rebound tenderness;
Rectal exam – fissures, hemorrhoids, ulceration, inflammation/infection, warts, palpable mass;
Lymphadenopathy – inguinal chains;
Skin – Rashes;

Comment

Melena vs. bright red blood; amount, duration; associated symptoms (constitutional, abdominal or rectal pain, tenesmus, constipation/diarrhea); menstrual cycle; trauma; history of similar symptoms; prior colonoscopy; medications (especially blood thinners); history of easy bleeding or atherosclerotic vascular disease, renal disease, aortic valve disease, liver disease, alcoholism, or abdominal aortic aneurysm repair; family history of colon cancer.

WebLink

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2005/0401/p1339.html